Gluten or GLUTEN FREE? /// Is Gluten REALLY BAD? // Interview with Dr. Gerry Farris

Summary

In this video, Dr. Jerry Ferriss discusses the growing issue of gluten intolerance, highlighting how genetic modifications in wheat have made it harder for our bodies to digest. He explains that gluten can cause digestive issues, inflammation, and even autoimmune diseases. The video also touches on how gluten intolerance affects different people and shares insights on how to manage it, such as removing gluten from the diet and using specific supplements to heal the gut. Additionally, it stresses the importance of choosing non-genetically modified grains like heirloom wheat for those who still consume wheat.

Takeaways

• 😀 Gluten intolerance has become more recognized in the past 10-20 years, though it's likely always been around.
• 😀 Traditional wheat had 11-12 chromosomes, but modern genetically modified wheat has 43-44 chromosomes, making it harder for our bodies to digest.
• 😀 The body reacts to genetically modified wheat as a foreign substance, leading to inflammation and autoimmune responses.
• 😀 Gluten causes 'leaky gut,' where the digestive system becomes inflamed, allowing harmful substances into the bloodstream.
• 😀 Gluten intolerance can lead to various symptoms like joint pain, brain fog, digestive issues, and autoimmune diseases.
• 😀 Approximately 70% of the U.S. population is sensitive to gluten, although not everyone experiences symptoms.
• 😀 Removing gluten from the diet for at least four weeks can help improve symptoms in many people with gluten sensitivity.
• 😀 In addition to genetic modifications, other factors like pasteurization and pesticide use contribute to difficulty digesting gluten.
• 😀 Healing the gut after removing gluten involves a step-by-step process, known as the 4-5 R’s of GI health, which includes removal, repair, and supplementation.
• 😀 Many gluten-free products are not healthy, as they may contain unhealthy ingredients. It's important to shop around the perimeter of the store and focus on whole foods.
• 😀 Non-gluten grains like quinoa, millet, and oats are healthier alternatives, and heirloom wheat varieties such as Kamut are better options for those who still want to consume wheat.

Q & A

What is gluten intolerance and how has it changed over the years?

Gluten intolerance refers to the body's inability to properly digest gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Over the years, genetically modified wheat, which now has 43-44 chromosomes compared to the original 11-12 chromosomes, has made it more difficult for the body to process gluten, leading to increased intolerance and related health issues.

Why was gluten not a common issue in the past compared to today?

In the past, wheat was not genetically modified, and the body could digest it easily. However, modern farming practices, including the genetic modification of wheat, have made it harder for the body to digest, contributing to the rise of gluten intolerance over the past few decades.

What are some symptoms of gluten intolerance?

Symptoms of gluten intolerance can vary, but they commonly include joint pain, irritable bowel syndrome, weight gain, brain fog, and bloating. In more severe cases, it may lead to autoimmune diseases and other chronic health issues.

What is the role of 'leaky gut' in gluten intolerance?

Gluten can cause inflammation in the digestive system, leading to 'leaky gut,' where the gut becomes permeable, allowing harmful substances to leak into the bloodstream. This can trigger a systemic immune response, contributing to autoimmune diseases and other health problems.

How common is gluten sensitivity in the U.S. population?

Approximately 70% of the U.S. population has some degree of sensitivity to gluten, though not everyone has celiac disease or a formal diagnosis of gluten intolerance. This widespread sensitivity contributes to various health issues like digestive problems and autoimmune diseases.

What are the main factors contributing to the rise in gluten intolerance?

The rise in gluten intolerance is largely due to the genetic modification of wheat, the use of pesticides like glyphosate, and the homogenization and pasteurization of milk, which disrupts the digestion process. These factors combined have made it more difficult for the body to process gluten and other foods.

How did Dr. Ferriss’s family experience gluten intolerance firsthand?

Dr. Ferriss's children experience symptoms like dark circles under their eyes and tiredness after consuming gluten. His wife, Laci, discovered her gluten intolerance after experiencing severe digestive issues and body aches, which improved after eliminating gluten from her diet.

What steps does Dr. Ferriss recommend for healing the gut after eliminating gluten?

Dr. Ferriss recommends the '4R' approach for gut health: Remove the offending agent (gluten) for at least four weeks, Repair the gut using supplements and probiotics, Reintroduce foods carefully, and Replace any lost nutrients to restore digestive health.

Can someone be gluten-free and still eat unhealthy foods?

Yes, many gluten-free products are not necessarily healthy. While eliminating gluten can improve health for those with intolerance, it's important to avoid processed and unhealthy gluten-free foods, which can contain artificial additives and unhealthy ingredients.

What alternatives to wheat can people with gluten sensitivity consume?

People with gluten sensitivity can consume grains that do not contain gluten, such as quinoa, millet, and oats. These grains are considered safer alternatives for individuals avoiding gluten.